Kongsberg Maritime scores €28.8m equipment contract

Photo: Kongsberg

The company will supply three adventure cruise vessels, with a fourth to follow, with engine and operational systems. Built by the WestSea Viana Shipyard in Portugal and destined for delivery to Mystic Cruises, they will be used for expeditions in the polar regions.

The 126 m, 9.3k tonne luxury craft will join an existing trio of sister ships, bringing the fleet up to seven identical vessels. First of these, the World Explorer, entered service in 2019. Designed by Italian naval architect Giuseppe Tringali, the ships have an operating cruise speed of 16 knots and have hulls and propellers strengthened for use in ice, making them suitable to visit destinations which are not accessible to larger cruise liners. Each has luxury suite and cabin accommodation for 200 passengers.

Kongsberg will deliver the main engines, auxiliary engines, motion control, propulsion, power electric systems, automation and control systems. The hybrid propulsion system allows the engines to operate at variable speeds, optimizing their efficiency for the required power and reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, while the manufacturers dynamic positioning technology allows the vessel to hold position without using anchors, protecting fragile ecosystems on the sea bed.

Egil Haugsdal, President, Kongsberg Maritime, said, "[…] Our advanced propulsion and control systems continue to make us a clear choice for customers looking for efficient, reliable technologies that minimise the impact of maritime activities on our ocean environment, and we are confident that our equipment will continue to deliver efficient and sustainable operation for Mystic Cruises as they explore some of our planet's most remote locations."

Vitor Figueiredo, Board Member, West Sea Shipyard, added, "[…] Having been entrusted by Mystic Cruises with the expansion of its fleet of Explorer vessels, we look forward to successfully overcoming this new challenge in partnership with Kongsberg Maritime, maintaining of course the highest quality standards."

The equipment is scheduled for delivery on a per-vessel basis throughout 2020 and 2021.